– by Barry Mathias –
This is the first in a six-part series of profiles on some great local businesses that are working to keep us all in good health.
Human beings have a propensity for two things: getting involved in body-jarring accidents, and growing older. In both cases the negative effects can be lessened. “Everyone must age,” Linda Walker jests, “but I can alleviate pain, improve people’s attitudes, and enable them to regain mobility to get back the enjoyment of life.” Linda is a Physiotherapist who specializes in Chronic Pain Management. She is the owner of Peninsula Physiotherapy at 9733 Fourth Street in Sidney, and of Brentwood Physiotherapy and Massage at 6967 Wallace Drive, Brentwood Bay. Her two clinics offer a wide range of services. “One of our recent technological improvements is online booking,” she says.
For the last 18 months Linda has been using the Jane Clinic Software, which allows clients to book appointments and choose their practitioner online, using a tablet or a smart phone. The system tracks notes, records the history of treatments and can send a paperless bill to MSP, ICBC or WSBC. This is a very secure system, and is password protected, and every file is accessible from anywhere. “However, you can still speak with a receptionist, if you prefer.”
With the aid of computers, Linda and her staff have immediate access to the latest research. “With a new patient who has lower back pain, we use either the Oswestry scale or the Roland-Morris questionnaire to ask specific questions.” The answers establish a benchmark of the condition of the patient at that time, where a score of say 21 out of 28 might be achieved, indicating substantial pain and immobility. After treatment, the patient’s score might read 17 out of 28, showing a clinically significant change.”
Linda explains: “When people have had pain for a long time, they find it hard to recall just how bad the pain was as they respond positively to treatment. These advances in clinical questioning allow them to monitor their improvement, and are objective evidence for insurance companies and when dealing with claim adjusters.”
Another technological improvement is in the field of decompression therapy, or mechanical traction, which has been around for a long time. “It should not cost the patient a lot of money, ” she says, referring to the unnecessarily high charges of city clinics.
“We use lasers and ultrasound to repair bone and tendon injuries. Ultrasound is particularly effective with new injuries in the first two weeks, and it reduces swelling and helps prevent re-injury, and aids elderly people to improve their mobility.
“In order to stay active and healthy as we age, effective stretching should become prioritized in order to keep mobility. Strength is also necessary but is much easier to gain as we age.”
Intra Muscular Stimulation (IMS) is a dry needling technique that she uses to treat chronic pain that has not responded to conventional physiotherapy techniques. “It is also effective with treating tight muscles causing stiffness.”
Many people suffer from osteoarthritis. This is when the cartilage in their joints has worn down and the synovial fluid is no longer able to cushion these joints; this causes pain and swelling. “It is a dysfunction caused by gravity,” Linda explains. “People believe they can’t change their condition, but with correct advice and appropriate mobility exercises, they can increase the space between their joints and eradicate pain.”
“We also refer to clients’ X-Rays, CT scans, and MRI’s online, via a secure system in order to apply the best and safest treatment, or make recommendations for referrals to other health care needed.” Linda makes the point that she works in tandem with a patient’s doctor to achieve the best outcome.
“I am planning to update our Sidney branch, Peninsula Physiotherapy, in the New Year,” Linda says enthusiastically. “The renovations will include advances in our use of computers, and in modern, bright examination rooms.”
Call to book an appointment and discuss these exciting changes with Linda or any of her skilled staff.
